Cotes du Rhone Wine

Almost synonymous for “French red wine”, this wine region was formed back in 1937, and whilst it does cover the whole of the Rhône valley, most production comes from the southern part.

It’s easy-drinking reputation stems from the frequent use of carbonic maceration during the winemaking process. This effectively reduces the skin contact with the juice, so minimising the amount of tannin in the wine.

However, not all ‘CdR’ wines are designed as gluggable everyday reds. There are some excellent producers who take their winemaking very seriously indeed.

There’s even a distinct appellation, Côtes du Rhône-Villages designed to signal such a rise in the quality stakes. This allows 20 villages to add their name if they wish, like the sumptuous Plan de Dieu (God’s plain) you’ll find at Rude Wines.